Kenya`s semi-professional football club Mathare United on Sunday was crowned the new national league champions to ensure its place in the African Champions League next year.

The Nairobi-based team earned the vital point to pip former champions Sony Sugar for their first-ever title with two matches in hand.

United, which draws support from Kenya`s largest slum of Mathare Valley is coached by a former player, Francis Kimanzi, who, also doubles up as the Kenya national team coach.

It was promoted to the premiership in 1998 following its success in the Kenya Cup knockout tournament the previous year which propelled the team to compete in the CAF Cup in 1999 and reaching the second round.